How do I choose the right topic for my college admission essay?

Feeling overwhelmed by the college essay topic is totally normal—almost everyone goes through this when starting! The good news is that your story doesn’t have to be dramatic or wild to be powerful. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity and a reflection of who you are, not just a glossy resume highlight.

Start by asking yourself: What moments or experiences have genuinely shaped how you see the world or yourself? Sometimes, the best essays come from everyday experiences that reveal your character, values, or the way you think. For example, a student once wrote about the ritual of folding dumplings with her grandmother—what made this essay effective was not the activity itself, but how she connected it to her family traditions, sense of belonging, and learning resilience through small setbacks.

Here are a few steps to guide you:

1. Make a list of experiences or moments that stood out to you in the past few years. Think about times you faced a challenge, learned something new about yourself, helped someone, or even changed your mind about something important.

2. Ask yourself 'why does this matter to me?' and 'what did it show about me?' The topic doesn’t have to be huge—as long as it leads you to discuss something meaningful that helps an admissions officer understand who you are beyond your stats.

3. If you’re unsure if a topic is ‘good enough,’ try explaining it to a friend or family member. If they learn something new or see a side of you they didn’t fully realize, it’s probably a strong start.

4. Avoid cliches unless your take is really unique or personal. For example, if you love playing the piano, instead of writing the general story of learning discipline through music, maybe focus on the moment you played in a small nursing home concert and saw how music lifted someone’s spirits. Small, focused moments often lead to rich, memorable essays.

Remember, standing out often means being honest and specific, not necessarily having an outlandish story. Your voice, reflection, and personal growth are what matter most. Good luck—you’re already thinking about it in the right way!